Xconomy -- Immune Design aspires to become a bigger company, and now it has recruited a CEO from a bigger company.

The Seattle-based vaccine developer is announcing today that its new chief executive is Carlos Paya, the former president of Elan, the Ireland-based biotech company which has significant operations in South San Francisco. Paya is replacing Immune Design’s founding CEO, Steve Reed, who will continue to serve on the company’s executive management team and board. Bruce Carter, the executive chairman, is staying in his position.